goalkeeper

American  

[gohl-kee-per] / ˈgoʊlˌki pər /

noun

1. (in ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, etc.) a player whose chief duty is to prevent the ball or puck from crossing or entering the goal.

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goalkeeper British  

/ ˈɡəʊlˌkiːpə /

noun

1. sport a player in the goal whose duty is to prevent the ball, puck, etc, from entering or crossing it

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Usage

What does goalkeeper mean? In sports like soccer (football) and hockey, the goalkeeper is the player positioned in front of the goal whose job is to prevent the ball or puck from entering it (or crossing the goal line).Goalkeeper can be used to refer to the position or the player. A goalkeeper might say they play goalkeeper. A common informal word for goalkeeper is goalie. In some sports, a goalkeeper is called a goaltender. In soccer, the goalkeeper is sometimes called the keeper.Example: When I played soccer, I was the goalkeeper, and I was pretty good, especially because I was quick and had long arms for my age.

Other Word Forms

• goalkeeping noun

Etymology

Origin of goalkeeper

First recorded in 1650–60; goal + keeper

Example Sentences

Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa is also on Forest's radar after John Victor, who has been sharing duties with Matz Sels, was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

From BBC

"We didn't know Benfica needed a goal to qualify, so when the goalkeeper goes up, we say, 'why you go?', because Madrid can equalise and we are out," Guardiola said after City's win against Galatasaray.

From BBC

His most difficult challenge might not be getting past goalkeepers but learning German.

From BBC

The Premier League side have also completed a loan deal for Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas from Italian Serie A side Lazio.

From BBC

Twice he has won the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the world's best goalkeeper.

From BBC